(10:30 a.m. EDT) -- Windstar Cruises is suspending operations worldwide for cruises departing March 14 through April 30, 2020.

"After much thought, we believe we are making the most responsible decision we can during this coronavirus pandemic," said Christopher Prelog, COO of Windstar Cruises. "This worldwide pause in the operation of our fleet of small ships is an effort to curb the spread of the virus and keep our guests, crew and the communities we visit, safe and healthy. We look forward to resuming operations again on May 1 with a return to offering our 180 degrees from ordinary vacation experience."

Cruisers on canceled cruises will have the choice of a future cruise credit valued at 125 percent of all monies paid to Windstar Cruises or a refund equal to the amount paid on the Windstar booking. Guests will have 24 months to book and sail on any available Windstar cruise using their Future Cruise Credit.

"The staff, executives, officers and crew at Windstar Cruises look forward to hosting travelers again this spring aboard its fleet of six small yachts."  

Windstar is the latest in a long list of cruise lines that are suspending operations, including Viking, Princess, Uniworld, Virgin Voyages and Disney Cruise Line, among others.